Extensive research shows that Washington and other western states already have
experienced noticeable changes in climate and predicts that more change will
occur in the future.1 Much of this change is having and will continue to have
negative economic consequences. Some negative effects are readily recognized:
warmer stream temperatures during summer stressing salmon and trout
populations, prolonged drought destroying farmers’ crops, and rapidly growing
insect populations attacking trees. In response, families, businesses, and
communities are considering actions that would reduce the emissions of carbon
dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) that contribute to climate change.
Amid all this activity, many have concluded that such actions should not be
undertaken because their costs are too great. They reach this conclusion,
however, without first seeing what the costs would be of not taking these actions
and allowing climate change to continue unabated.

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vii, 47 p. "A Report from The Program on Climate Economics, Climate Leadership Initiative, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon."